Lucius POV

The daylight cut right through my windows like knives. I banged my forehead, and the normal burn overcame me all over. My breathing was shallow and harsh as I was drowning in my sweat. I attempted to rise and leave the bed, but the room swayed. No… not now. Not in front of the warriors.

Nevertheless, I forced myself to the training grounds.

As they saw me, the warriors ceased sparring. Some appeared anxious, still others frightened. I had cursed them and made them fear me rather than respect me. I would feel that fear weighing and stifling.

Rylan's look.

Keep on, said I to the warriors.

But...